A WAR memorial which underwent major repairs as part of funding to mark the centenary of the First World War has been vandalised ahead of Remembrance Day.

Prestonpans War Memorial was being checked ahead of this month’s commemorations when the damage to floodlights was discovered.

Ward councillors Fiona O’Donnell and Willie Innes moved to reassure residents that the memorial would be repaired ahead of Remembrance Day and urged anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact the police.

They said in a joint statement: “Following damage to the floodlights at the war memorial in our town, we want to reassure the community that the repairs will be promptly carried out.

“While our act of remembrance this year will be different, we have acted quickly to make sure that the war memorial is a fitting place where we can remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We have a strong tradition in Prestonpans of coming together as a community to remember the fallen, and the numbers who march and gather at the war memorial are a hundred times greater than those who carried out this disrespectful and hurtful act of vandalism.

“We would encourage anyone with information to contact Police Scotland on 101.”

East Lothian Council has cancelled official Remembrance Day parades and gatherings this year as part of its Covid response; however, it is expected local groups, including the Royal British Legions, will lay wreaths individually.

The memorial received nearly £13,000 in funds to undergo repairs and refurbishment.

Mr Innes, council leader, added: “It can be very distressing for those who have relatives on the memorial to see this damage but it’s particularly upsetting as we approach the period of remembrance in the UK.”